Investigator

Competition # : 42760 

Department:  Office of the Info & Privacy Comm

Location:  HALIFAX

Type of Employment:  Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG  

Closing Date: 15-May-24 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) (formerly known as the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Review Office) provides impartial oversight of compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Privacy Review Officer Act, the Municipal Government Act and the Personal Health Information Act. The OIPC delivers its mandate by conducting investigations and mediations of complaints and reviews, issuing formal public reports, developing educational materials and providing independent advice on access and privacy matters at the request of public bodies, municipalities and health information custodians.

About Our Opportunity

The OIPC is seeking to fill two (2) positions on a permanent basis and at least two (2) positions on a term basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team.

 

As the Investigator 2, you will be accountable for oversight and risk management responsibilities and will have the delegated statutory authority of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Review Officer) to conduct complex and specialized formal access to information review investigations. You will carry out such duties necessary for the investigation and resolution of compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Part XX of the Municipal Government Act, and all related Regulations by: provincial departments, agencies, boards and commissions; municipal bodies; centres for education; universities and colleges; and health authorities. Permanent investigators may be assigned other responsibilities related to privacy and outreach, under all four mandates of the OIPC. The term positions will be focused on access to information review requests.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities of the role include:

 

• Conducting impartial and thorough investigations of complex review files which may involve multiple issues, large volumes of records, and highly sensitive information, in-depth analysis of evidence and issues.
• Applying and interpreting statutes, regulations and case law precedents to advise and assist the parties, the Director, the Commissioner, members of the public, access administrators or other government officials and third parties.
• Ensuring effective complaint resolution through consulting, problem solving, negotiating and mediation of issues.
• Providing specialized research, analytical support to the Commissioner and the Director of Investigations.
• Writing and developing comprehensive reports, including recommendations on specific issues to the Commissioner for public reporting, through the development of investigative summaries, briefings, consultative and final report documents.
• Assisting in the education of the public and public bodies/municipalities in law and processes related to access to information.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a related university or college degree (e.g. law, public administration, law enforcement, information management, political science) along with several years of relevant experience. An acceptable equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered.

 

As the ideal candidate you have a working knowledge of legislation and regulations (federal, provincial and/or municipal) and are able to use that knowledge to make competent, defensible plans and decisions.

 

You also demonstrate:

 

• A high level of integrity, ethics, impartiality, empathy, and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills in developing strategies and managing unreasonable demands and behavior of complainants.
• Above average communication (written and verbal) and relationship building skills.

The following would be considered an asset:

 

• Experience implementing and/or evaluating compliance with access and privacy laws.
• Experience or training in conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
• Formalized training in access and privacy laws.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a  Defined Benefit Pension Plan , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here:  Benefits for government employees .

Working Conditions

The work takes place in a typical office setting. Travel is rarely required. If required, travel may be throughout the province. Driving may be in variable weather conditions including day and nighttime travel and overnight accommodations. Work hours may extend beyond regular hours.

 

This position requires staff to work on-site Monday to Friday. Some flexibility is possible with prior approval.

Additional Information

We have two (2) permanent positions and at least two (2) term positions – one with an anticipated end date of ending December 31, 2024 and one with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2025. We will be creating an eligibility list in case additional opportunities come up in the near future.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: EC 10 

Salary Range:  $3,047.22 - $3,809.04 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. 

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to  .